Like clockwork, the renowned US car review magazine Consumer Reports has released its list of the top 10 best cars of 2024. To compile this list, Consumer Reports evaluated based on safety features, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
This year, hybrid cars dominate the top 10 in terms of quantity. Specifically, there are 3 hybrid models and 3 plug-in hybrid models on the list, while there is only 1 electric car.
“This is the year of plug-in hybrids,” stated Jake Fisher, Director of Consumer Reports’ auto testing program. According to him, the electric range of plug-in hybrid cars can be suitable for daily use. When taking long trips, users only need to fill up with gas without worrying about charging infrastructure.
“You really don’t have to compromise,” said Fisher. “For many people, this type of car is the ideal choice for both short and long trips.”
Here is the list of the top 10 best cars of 2024 according to Consumer Reports, divided into segments.
Subcompact SUV Segment: Subaru Crosstrek
Price in the US: $25,195 – $32,195
Average fuel consumption: 8.11 liters/100 km
Subaru Crosstrek is one of the three conventional gasoline engine models in the top 10 of Consumer Reports this year. According to Fisher, this model made it to the top 10 because it offers “great value” for drivers.
Subaru Crosstrek
With a starting price just over $25,000, the Subaru Crosstrek is the most affordable model in this top 10. According to Consumer Reports, Subaru’s model has evolutionary design improvements in the 2024 version, along with upgraded infotainment systems and safety features.
The standard engine of this subcompact SUV model has been evaluated by Consumer Reports as “rather weak,” but if upgraded to the 2.5L engine, the driving experience will be more satisfying. With an average fuel consumption of 8.11 liters/100 km, the Subaru Crosstrek is the top fuel-efficient gasoline engine and all-wheel-drive model on the US market today.
“This model is fuel-efficient and very comfortable,” commented Fisher. “It is also a great car at an affordable price. The Crosstrek is a comfortable and quiet 4-wheel-drive SUV that is easy to drive and packed with features.”
Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid Segment: Toyota Prius/Prius Prime
Price in the US: $27,950 – $39,370
Average fuel consumption: 4.61 liters/100 km for Toyota Prius and 5.47 liters/100 km for Prius Prime
With a sportier design and a more powerful drivetrain, the new generation Toyota Prius is a “practical” car, according to Consumer Reports. This is in addition to the impressive fuel efficiency of this Japanese car. Therefore, despite having a smaller interior than the previous generation, the new Toyota Prius is still included in Consumer Reports’ top 10 best cars of 2024.
Toyota Prius
Compact SUV Segment: Subaru Forester
Price in the US: $27,095 – $37,395
Average fuel consumption: 8.4 liters/100 km
The Forester is the next Subaru model to be included in Consumer Reports’ top 10. This model has appeared in the top 10 best cars of the year list of this magazine 11 times so far.
Subaru Forester
According to the US magazine, this car offers maximum visibility for the driver with its design. In addition, it provides comfortable seating and spacious interiors for users. “When you seek driving pleasure and comfort, Subaru delivers,” Fisher said.
Compact Car Segment: Mazda3
Price in the US: $24,170 – $36,650
Average fuel consumption: 7.84 liters/100 km
Consumer Reports states that both the sedan and hatchback versions of the Mazda3 have an enjoyable driving experience. Furthermore, this Japanese car is equipped with a standard engine that generates over 190 horsepower while still being fuel-efficient. The weak point of the Mazda3 lies in the distracting control buttons in the car.
Mazda3
According to Fisher, Mazda is like the best-kept secret in the automotive industry. “Mazdas drive well, are fun, comfortable, and have a sporty design. They are a more affordable alternative to BMW,” praised Fisher.
Midsize Car Segment: Toyota Camry Hybrid
Price in the US: $28,855 – $34,295
Average fuel consumption: 5 liters/100 km
The Toyota Camry Hybrid returns to Consumer Reports’ top 10 best cars list thanks to its engine that consumes an average of 5 liters/100 km. In addition, the car has high reliability, a characteristic of Toyota.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Compact Pickup Truck Segment: Ford Maverick/Maverick Hybrid
Price in the US: $23,815 – $34,855
Average fuel consumption: 10.23 liters/100 km for Ford Maverick and 6.36 liters/100 km for Maverick Hybrid
Despite its compact size, the Ford Maverick offers a spacious interior and user-friendly control buttons. Another plus point not to be missed is the fuel efficiency with an average consumption of only 6.36 liters/100 km for the hybrid version. According to Fisher, this small pickup truck is like the “Swiss Army knife” of the automotive industry.
Ford Maverick
Electric Car Segment: Tesla Model Y
Price in the US: $43,990 – $54,490
Range: 530 km
According to Consumer Reports, the Tesla Model Y is an electric car that offers hassle-free driving thanks to its spacious interior and long range of 530 km after a full charge. That is why this model made it into Consumer Reports’ top 10 this year.
Tesla Model Y
“The Tesla Model Y is not the best electric car you can buy on the market because there are many fierce competitors,” commented Fisher. “Hyundai Ioniq 6 is also an excellent electric car, but the magic of Tesla’s cars is the extensive charging network.”
Midsize SUV Segment: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Price in the US: $40,720 – $53,125
Average fuel consumption: 6.72 liters/100 km
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is described as a comfortable 3-row SUV with abundant safety features and a fuel-efficient engine that consumes an average of 6.72 liters/100 km. This is a rare 3-row SUV model that is fuel-efficient. In addition, the car has an all-wheel-drive system.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Luxury SUV Segment: BMW X5/X5 PHEV
Price in the US: $65,200 – $89,300
Average fuel consumption: 10.23 liters/100 km for BMW X5 and 11.2 liters/100 km for X5 PHEV
Consumer Reports rates the BMW X5 PHEV as a “high standard setter” in the luxury SUV segment. This model consumes an average of 11.2 liters/100 km of gasoline and can travel 63 km without using the gasoline engine. Additionally, the car has a quiet interior and a comfortable driving experience.
BMW X5
Plug-in Hybrid SUV Segment: Toyota RAV4 Prime
Price in the US: $43,690 – $47,560
Average fuel consumption: 6.92 liters/100 km
According to Consumer Reports, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is an interesting and fuel-efficient car. In addition, this car offers a quieter driving experience compared to the regular Toyota RAV4. Similar to the Camry, this car made it into the top 10 thanks to its comfort and high reliability.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
Notably, the Toyota RAV4 Prime is equipped with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with 302 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0-96 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than the gasoline version.
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